Jeff, Tyler & Josh in RWC training squads

As anticipated, Canadians Jeff Hassler and Tyler Ardron, and Fijian Josh Matavesi, have been named in extended national training squads in preparation for the Rugby World Cup.

The two countries experienced vastly differing fortunes during the recent Pacific Nations Cup, Fiji going unbeaten and winning a third consecutive title while Canada lost all four matches.

The Flying Fijians will go into camp in Suva on Wednesday, where they stay until the end of the month, before departing for the UK. Their only warm-up fixture is against the Canadians at the Twickenham Stoop on Sunday 6th September, before they help kick-off the Rugby World Cup across the road at HQ, playing England in the opening fixture on Friday 18th September. 

In contrast, the Canadian squad comes together in Ottawa tomorrow, ahead of a busy month where they four times before the Rugby World Cup gets underway.

They face USA in Ottawa on Saturday 22nd August, and a week later welcome Glasgow Warriors to Halifax, Nova Scotia. After arriving in the UK, they then face Georgia in Esher on Wednesday 2nd September before the Fiji match.

They begin their Rugby World Cup campaign in Cardiff, against Ireland, on Saturday 19th September.